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Locate the file you downloaded, right-click it and select Extract All. Check the box for Show extracted files when complete. Click Extract.

Burn the ISO file to a CD. Follow these instructions if this is new to you.

Boot the affected computer from the CD.

Repeatedly pressing F9 or F12 right after the computer is turned on is the most common way to bring up the 'boot device' menu. Choose the CD/DVD option and press Enter.

Memtest86+ will begin testing automatically and is designed to repeat its tests continuously. It is recommended that you allow the program to complete at least 7 'passes' before declaring the memory error-free.

Note: These tests can be very lengthy, often lasting many hours.

If Memtest finds an error, it will list it in red. There is no need to continue that test if an error is found. You may either press Esc to reboot or you may simply turn the computer off.

If there are errors and you are comfortable working inside the computer, begin narrowing down the error result by removing every stick of RAM except for the one closest to the CPU. Begin step #4 again. After the test, shut the computer down, remove the RAM stick, put the next one in its place, and retest. Repeat this pattern for each RAM stick.

Report your findings in your next reply.

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Perform diagnostics on your hard drive.

If you can log into Windows or already know your hard drive's manufacturer:

Click the Start Orb and type in "device manager." In the search results, double-click device manager.

Double-click Disk Drives. The first drive listed is most likely the one you want to test.